Discrimination ruling wins gay pub worker thousands in compensation

A former employee has won thousands of pounds in compensation after a tribunal found owners tried to “de-gay” the pub he worked in, it has emerged.

Ex-assistant manager Charles Lisboa was discriminated against by managers of the Pembroke Arms in Earl’s Court, London, because he was gay, the Evening Standard has reported.

When the pub’s ownership changed hands in December 2008, homosexual workers were called “queens” and the management tried to “de-gay” the pub, the tribunal found.

Lisboa, 41, who quit his job in January 2008, spent nine months trying to find work after he suffered from sleeplessness and depression.

Lisboa’s solicitor, Paul Daniels of Russell Jones & Walker, said: “This landmark decision confirms that an establishment that wishes to change from serving a mainly gay clientele to a mixed clientele must not do so in a way that discriminates against gay clients.

“It also serves as a stark warning to any employer who tolerates abuse and prejudice against gay staff or customers.”

Owner Realpubs said it was trying to convert the gay pub into a gastropub which would attract people regardless of their sexuality.

It inisisted it was committed to anti-discrimination at work. “We have undertaken a full investigation into the incident and, having paid the penalty, are pleased the situation is now resolved,” a spokeswoman told the paper.